Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (5%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 2 (9%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 19 (86%)

• Estimate how much a garment will cost to make, based on factors such as time and material requirements.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Examine tags on garments to determine alterations that are needed.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Develop, copy, or adapt designs for garments, and design patterns to fit measurements, applying knowledge of garment design, construction, styling, and fabric.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Measure parts, such as sleeves or pant legs, and mark or pin-fold alteration lines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Remove stitches from garments to be altered, using rippers or razor blades.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Sew garments, using needles and thread or sewing machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Let out or take in seams in suits and other garments to improve fit.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Measure customers, using tape measures, and record measurements.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Fit and study garments on customers to determine required alterations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Trim excess material, using scissors.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assemble garment parts and join parts with basting stitches, using needles and thread or sewing machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Make garment style changes, such as tapering pant legs, narrowing lapels, and adding or removing padding.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain garment drape and proportions as alterations are performed.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Take up or let down hems to shorten or lengthen garment parts, such as sleeves.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Repair or replace defective garment parts, such as pockets, zippers, snaps, buttons, and linings.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Press garments, using hand irons or pressing machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Fit, alter, repair, and make made-to-measure clothing, according to customers' and clothing manufacturers' specifications and fit, and applying principles of garment design, construction, and styling.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Position patterns of garment parts on fabric, and cut fabric along outlines, using scissors.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Record required alterations and instructions on tags, and attach them to garments.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Confer with customers to determine types of material and garment styles desired.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Put in padding and shaping materials.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Sew buttonholes and attach buttons to finish garments.Little or no AI speed-up · core task

Questions about tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers and AI